Police warn of inheritance email scam

WASHINGTON – Police are warning area residents of an inheritance scam that involves fictitious emails supposedly sent from the Fairfax County Police Department.

Fairfax County’s financial crimes unit has received at least a dozen reports since Jan. 10 of the scam. The scammers are sending unsolicited emails announcing that the recipient is eligible for a multi-million dollar inheritance. But the recipient must contact a Fairfax County police investigator to receive the money, police say.

The scammers are posing as “authentic FCPD personnel” and are using official email addresses, phone numbers and street addresses to appear legitimate, according to a statement from police.

Fairfax County police say they do not send emails regarding inheritance claims, monetary funds or other financial transactions.

Police urge anyone who receives such an email should delete it immediately without opening any attachments. They should not wire any money to anyone based on an unsolicited email.

Police encourage the public to call police with questions about such emails. Anyone who received the scam email and has wired money are encouraged to report it to police.

The police department has posted more information about financial crimes and fraud on its website.